THOUSANDS of tourists flocked to Bournemouth’s beaches over the sunny bank holiday weekend as temperatures soared.

But as day trippers headed home, some left two general waste bins ablaze with toxic smoke from flaming disposable barbecues.

Firefighters were quick to the scene. Watch manager Jeffries said: “This is our third call of the night where disposable barbecues have been put into bins without being put out.”

Advising the public, watch manager Jeffries said: “Whilst we’re so busy doing other things we just ask people not to use disposable barbecues.

“If they are going to use them then they should make sure they are cooled properly before being put in the bin.”

It comes just days after disposable barbecues were reportedly responsible for a blaze which devastated an area of Wareham Forest the size of more than 230 football pitches.

With temperatures soaring to 22 degrees, sunseekers and beach lovers travelled to the coast, amidst lockdown, to make the most of the glorious weather.

Bournemouth resident Joanne Salmon said: “It’s a shame to see, especially after everything that’s going on.

“You would think we would all come together, but as soon as everything’s eased we’re back to our old ways."

Earlier in the day BCP Council urged people to “think twice” before heading to the beaches.

In a tweet sent out at midday, the council stated that all beach front car parks were full and asked people to avoid parking in local roads.

In comments made last week the council stated that people can expect to see more beach front rangers as we enter the summer months.

Signs across the pier remind people of the two-metre social distancing regulations, and urge people to stay at home.